Normally I avoid “blog bands” like the plague, and when I succumb to the hype enough to give them a listen I am presented with some crap like Vampire Weekend or The Fleet Foxes most of the time.

Thanks, but No Thanks.

So, when it came to all The Gaslight Anthem hype I was just considering the sources and ignoring them. Then, as the 2008 year end lists started rolling in and I kept seeing their name, I finally decided to give the band a look-see. It is my pleasure to announce that these guys are worthy of the hype they’re getting.

There are plenty of words and breathless praise already out on the internets so I’m not gonna get carried away, besides, I’m probably the last person in the world to hear the album. However, in case someone else out there hasn’t checked them out yet, I’ll post some basics.

The Gaslight Anthem come from New Jersey and have garnered a ton of comparisons to another New Jersey native, Springsteen. A full-length and an EP preceded The 59 Sound and apparently both had a grittier sound than this release. I’ve not heard either to be able to comment on that, but I soon will. The 59 Sound is a rock and roll record without any gimmicks. In a sentence, I’d say it’s the album The Killers were trying to make when they grew mustaches and wrote Sam’s Town.

Check it out. IMO, it’s Essential Listening and I think you’ll like it.

The Gaslight Anthem - Even Cowgirls Get The Blues
The Gaslight Anthem - Here’s Looking At You, Kid
The Gaslight Anthem - The ‘59 Sound

The Gaslight Anthem’s Official Site, The Gaslight Anthem on myspace, Buy The 59 Sound